Van Gogh Museum (9 am)
Home to the world's largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, the museum is a must for art lovers. From his early works to his final paintings, see how the artist's style evolved over time. Audio tours are available to get a better understanding of the pieces.
Rijksmuseum (11 am)
The national museum of the Netherlands has over 8,000 objects on display from the 13th century to the present day. Famous works include Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid. The museum also has a beautiful garden to relax in.
Canal Cruise (1 pm)
Take a relaxing boat ride through Amsterdam's picturesque canals. See the city from a different perspective and learn about its history and landmarks from the tour guide. There are many different companies to choose from.
Albert Cuyp Market (3 pm)
This bustling outdoor market has been in operation since 1904. From clothes to cheese, you'll find a variety of vendors selling their wares. Don't leave without trying a stroopwafel, a delicious Dutch treat made of two thin waffles with caramel syrup in the middle.
Red Light District (5 pm)
One of Amsterdam's most famous neighborhoods, the Red Light District is home to legalized prostitution and an abundance of sex shops. It's a unique cultural experience and worth seeing at least once, but be respectful and follow the rules.
Time and Costs Estimates
Van Gogh Museum (2 hours, €19)
Rijksmuseum (2 hours, €20)
Canal Cruise (1.5 hours, €20)
Albert Cuyp Market (2 hours, cost varies)
Red Light District (1 hour, free)
Total Estimated Costs: €79
Transportation
Amsterdam is a very walkable city, but if you need to use public transportation, invest in a multi-day ticket to save money. The GVB day ticket costs €8 and allows unlimited travel on all trams, buses, and metros. Taxis and Ubers are also available, but they can be expensive.
The best way to get to the city center from the airport is by train. The Schiphol train station is located directly beneath the airport and has frequent connections to Amsterdam Central Station. A one-way ticket costs €4.50 and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Useful tips
If you have more time, consider visiting the Anne Frank House, the Heineken Experience, or taking a bike tour. If you have less time, prioritize which museums and landmarks you want to see and skip the rest. Don't forget to try some traditional Dutch food, like bitterballen or poffertjes.
Airports
The main airport serving Amsterdam is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), located about 9 kilometers southwest of the city center. It's the third-busiest airport in Europe and serves as a hub for KLM and Transavia. It has one large terminal with three main departure halls, and is known for its extensive shopping and dining options.